Tea

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Loose Leaf Tea

The distinction is in the tea leaves. Loose leaf tea typically is bigger, with superior leaves in comparison to leaves in tea bags. When you steep larger leaves the tea leaves expand and intermingle much better than bags with the water. Loose leaf teas provide a finer, brighter taste profile. Loose leaf teas leaves have more nutrients and antioxidants. Loose leaf teas give you more customization in the strength of your tea and it allows you to measure your portions.

Types of Tea

Herbal Tea
Herbal Tea

Our Herbal Teas are not technically a true tea, as it does not derive from the Camellia sinensis plant (i.e. the plant that is used to create black, oolong, green, and white teas).

What is herbal tea? Our loose leaf herbal teas are an infusion or blend of various leaves, fruits, bark, roots, or flowers belonging to numerous non-tea plants.

Our Gourmet Herbal Teas can supply mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. In a progressively stress filled and hectic world, Serene Tree Apothecary Herbal Teas let you relax and concentrate on your well-being through a complete natural approach providing numerous benefits that only Herbal tea can provide

Black tea
Black Tea

Our loose leaf Black tea is a type of tea made from the camellia sinensis plant, which is a highly oxidized tea plant, giving the color a dark gold tone, with robust, somewhat cutting flavor, and a relatively high amount of caffeine.

So, what is black tea? There are famous brands from “big tea” and blends like English Breakfast to name kinds of black tea. Black teas tend to be relatively high in caffeine, which brews a dark, bronze color, and mostly have a stronger, more robust flavor than other types of tea.

Serene Tree Apothecary Black Tea flavor profiles may include malt, smokiness, brisk, earthy, spiced, nutty, citrus, caramel, fruity, sweet and honey.

Green Tea
Green Tea

So, what is Green Tea? Green tea is an unoxidized tea from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are picked with a slight wither, then as soon as possible cooked to preserve the green color and prevent any oxidization.

Serene Tree Apothecary loose leaf Green teas are crafted here in Virginia meticulously chosen for the best flavor and we carefully pick the best Matcha, Sencha, Gunpowder and other Green Tea for their benefits to your mind and your soul.

Green Teas have a much higher concentration of antioxidants than other tea types. Green tea is known to have lower caffeine per cup than black teas and much lower caffeine content than any coffee.

Serene Tree Apothecary Green Tea flavor profiles can include, grassy, earthy, sweet, buttery, nutty, and toasty.

Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea

Oolong is not a black tea or a green tea. Oolong Tea can have a similar profile of black tea or green tea that depends on the processing of the tea.

What is Oolong tea? Serene Tree Apothecary Oolong Tea is a partially oxidized tea, some oolong teas can have a fresh green tea taste (less oxidized) and while others favor a black tea (more oxidized). Serene Tree Apothecary takes the process of Rolling Oolong because it is an extremely important aspect that can change the look, shade and scent of the tea leaves.

Because our oolong tea is oxidized at varying levels with the processing, the flavor profiles can be light to full bodied, flowery to grassy, and sweet to savory. The tea leaves and the tint of the tea also varies from green to gold to brown.

White Tea
White Tea

Serene Tree Apothecary White Tea is handpicked and quickly dried, so there is no oxidization like tea leaves plucked for green or black tea. The minimal processing and low oxidation create the most delicate and freshest tea existing.

What is White tea? Serene Tree Apothecary White Teas are a very delicate loose leaf tea assortment that’s minimally processed, we gather the tea leaves before the tea leaves open in full, young buds are still covered by fine white hairs giving it the name “white” tea.

Serene Tree Apothecary White Tea flavor profiles include flowery, grassy, honey, fruity, subtle, delicate and sweet.

How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea
How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea

Step 1: Get your Tea Tools Ready!

You can make loose leaf tea in a teacup with an infuser or use a teapot with an infuser integrated or a separate tea filter. Any way you pick, ensure your teapot equals your needs. Teapots come in different sizes, usually from 4 to 6 cups.

Step 2: Measure Your Tea Leaves

1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea (approximately 2–3g) per cup

For a 6 oz cup, this measurement ensures the ideal balance of flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Water to the Right Temperature

For black loose leaf tea, use newly (try using spring water not tap) boiled water at 100°C (212°F)

Green or white tea can require lower temperatures to preserve their subtle flavors.

Step 4: Steep Time

Let the loose leaf tea steep for 4–6 minutes, that’s a bit longer than a teabag (3–5 minutes). This extra time lets the loose leaves to fully release all the flavors and nutrients.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Pour the steeped tea through a filter into your teacup.

Adding some milk, sugar, honey, or lemon can add to how the tea tastes, but will alter calories, fat and sugars so keep that in mind.

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Tips for Brewing the Best Loose Leaf Tea
  • Investigate and try out how many loose leaf tea leaves to get your proper brew strength.
  • This is some sample cRemember re-steeping tea leaves will have a lighter and less strong flavor after a second infusion.ontent
  • Always use spring water for boiling to ensure the cleanest taste.

Loose Tea FAQ

Beneficial Teas for Weight Loss

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  • White Tea – Promotes fat metabolism by accelerating the breakdown of fat cells and preventing new fat formation. .
  • Chamomile Tea – Promotes fat metabolism by accelerating the breakdown of fat cells and preventing new fat formation.
  • Oolong Tea – Packed with powerful antioxidants that may lower obesity-related risks.
  • Hibiscus Tea – Aids in weight management by potentially reducing BMI and combating obesity.
  • Black Tea – Rich in polyphenols, which may block fat digestion and absorption for better weight control.
  • Green Tea – Loaded with catechins and antioxidants that support fat burning and overall health.

Does Tea have Caffeine?

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    Typically, a 6 oz. cup of black tea has around 50 milligrams of caffeine half the amount in a standard cup of brewed coffee. As you go down the types of teas the amount of caffeine slowly descends. This is true for Oolong tea, Green tea and White tea. Herbal teas, are logically caffeine-free, as they are not derived from “true teas”. Is There More Caffeine in Coffee or Tea? Coffee has more caffeine than tea, is a common statement from coffee drinkers, but, as tea drinkers we know this is not totally true. Brewed coffee does have a bit more caffeine than steeped tea, but the truth is because coffee is a “stronger” drink than a cup of tea. The real truth is loose tea leaves contain more caffeine than coffee beans before steeping. Before you brew tea leaves contain more caffeine than coffee beans. Caffeine is in the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which is the only species of tea plant, and contains more caffeine than there is in coffee beans.
  • Coffee – has from 95 and 200 milligrams of caffeine.
  • Black Tea – has from 14 and 70 milligrams of caffeine.
  • Green Tea – has from 24 and 45 milligrams of caffeine.
  • White Tea – has from 6 and 60 milligrams of caffeine.

Does Tea Expire

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    Yes, tea can expire. Tea bags come with an expiration date about two years from the manufacture date. The expiration date in tea’s case is the time frame in which the tea will hold its flavor and aroma. Tea is one of the most popular drinks all over the world for its flavor and natural benefits. But tea also has an expiration date, which can cause loss in flavor and nutritionary value. Loose leaf teas can last up to a year and a half, depending on what kind of tea and its characteristics. Some things can affect the shelf life of your tea. Exposure to air, light, moisture, and heat can hasten your tea’s demise not a total death but, the taste and flavor will suffer. Tea should always be kept in sealed containers, always away from the sun, and always in a cool, dry place. Don’t store tea in the fridge or freezer, this can cause dampness to form inside the container. Don't store tea near pungent smelling or strong smelling items like seasonings or coffee, because tea can absorb odor. In conclusion, tea does expire, but it is usually safe to consume even after the expiration date as long as it has been stored properly.

Does Tea have Calories?

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Regular teas with no additions have a very small calorie level. Black tea contains approximately 2 calories per 6 oz cup. If you are on a strict caloric intake then adding sugar, milk, or other ingredients will increase the calories in your tea. A teaspoon of sugar, honey or sweeteners can add about 16 calories in a cup of tea. A tablespoon of milk or cream can add about 60 calories to a cup of tea. Be careful what you add if you are looking to watch your caloric intake but, tea is a wonderful choice for your health, staying hydrated and being mindful caloric intake.
  • Calories in Black Tea: – 2
  • Calories in Green Tea: – Zero
  • Calories in Herbal Tea: – Zero to 3
  • Calories in White Tea: – Zero
  • Calories in Oolong Tea: – Zero